Cool Fact- Once among the most common birds in North America this bird declined sharply in the early 20th century. This was most likely due to competition House Sparrow which was becoming more common. Also increase agricultural activity created more habitat for cowbirds which then increasingly parasitized the nests of these birds. Chipping Sparrows have been known to steal hair from dogs and horses to use in their nests.

Field Marks- A tiny, gray-breasted sparrow (significantly smaller than Song and House sparrows) with a bright rufous cap, a white line above the eye, and a black line through the eye.